A nurse is caring for a patient after a radical neck dissection.
What should be the nurse’s priority in the immediate postoperative period?

Ineffective airway clearance related to thick, copious secretions.

Impaired verbal communication related to the tracheostomy.

High risk for infection related to surgical incisions.

Malnourishment related to NPO Status and dysphagia.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Rationale for Choice A:

Ineffective airway clearance is the most immediate and life-threatening concern in the postoperative period following a radical neck dissection. This procedure involves extensive removal of lymph nodes and tissues in the neck, which can significantly disrupt normal respiratory function and airway patency. Here's a detailed explanation of the factors contributing to this risk:

Altered Respiratory Anatomy: The surgical resection of tissues and lymph nodes can directly impact the structure and function of the airway. This includes potential narrowing of the trachea, vocal cord dysfunction, and impaired laryngeal movement, all of which can hinder effective airflow.

Thick, Copious Secretions: The surgical trauma and manipulation of tissues often lead to increased production of thick, tenacious secretions in the respiratory tract. These secretions can obstruct the airway, making it difficult for the patient to clear them effectively.

Impaired Cough Reflex: The surgical dissection may disrupt the nerves involved in the cough reflex, which is a crucial mechanism for clearing secretions from the airway. This further impedes the patient's ability to maintain a patent airway.

Risk of Aspiration: Accumulation of secretions in the airway elevates the risk of aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia and other serious complications.

Potential for Edema: Postoperative swelling in the neck tissues can further compress the airway, exacerbating the risk of obstruction.

Nursing Interventions for Ineffective Airway Clearance:

Prompt recognition and management of ineffective airway clearance are essential to prevent respiratory compromise and ensure patient safety. Here are key nursing interventions that should be prioritized:

Frequent Assessment: Continuously monitor respiratory rate, effort, breath sounds, oxygen saturation, and level of consciousness for any signs of respiratory distress.

Positioning: Elevate the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees to promote lung expansion and facilitate drainage of secretions. Suctioning: Regularly suction the airway to remove secretions, using aseptic technique and proper suctioning pressure.

Deep Breathing and Coughing Exercises: Encourage and assist the patient with deep breathing and coughing exercises to mobilize secretions.

Humidification: Provide humidified oxygen or use a nebulizer to help thin secretions and make them easier to expectorate.

Chest Physiotherapy: Perform chest physiotherapy techniques, such as percussion and vibration, to loosen secretions and promote their removal.

Monitoring Fluid Balance: Maintain adequate hydration to help thin secretions, while closely monitoring fluid intake and output to prevent fluid overload.

Addressing Other Choices:

While the other choices may also be relevant concerns in the postoperative period, they do not pose the same immediate threat to life as ineffective airway clearance.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

NPO status (nothing by mouth) is not a relevant intervention in this situation. It would be indicated for a patient with gastrointestinal issues or prior to a procedure, but it does not address the potential consequences of rapid fluid administration.

Restricting oral intake would not reverse or mitigate the effects of fluid overload that may have already occurred.

It's important to prioritize assessment of the patient's respiratory status, as fluid overload can lead to pulmonary edema, a serious complication.

Rationale for Choice B:

Elevating the head of the bed to high Fowler's position can be helpful in easing breathing for patients with respiratory distress, but it's not the most immediate priority in this case.

Assessing the patient's respiratory status directly through respiratory rate and lung sounds will provide more comprehensive information about potential fluid overload and guide further interventions.

Rationale for Choice C:

Measuring the client's temperature is not directly relevant to the concern of rapid fluid administration.

While fever could be a sign of infection, which might warrant fluid administration, it's not the primary concern in this scenario.

The priority is to assess for potential fluid overload, which could manifest as respiratory distress. Rationale for Choice D:

Checking the client's respiratory rate and lung sounds is the most appropriate action for the nurse to take in this situation.

Rapid infusion of 900 mL of fluid within a short period could lead to fluid overload, which can manifest as: Increased respiratory rate

Crackles in the lungs Shortness of breath Hypoxia

Early identification of these signs is crucial for prompt intervention and prevention of serious complications.

A. Cup hands and tap on the patient’s chest repeatedly. B. Position the patient so that the lung area to be drained is above the trachea. C. Provide mouth care. D. Auscultate lung fields.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is choice d. Auscultate lung fields.

Choice A rationale:

Cupping hands and tapping on the patient’s chest is part of the chest percussion technique, which helps to loosen mucus. However, it is not the first step. Before performing any physical intervention, the nurse must assess the patient’s current respiratory status.

Choice B rationale:

Positioning the patient so that the lung area to be drained is above the trachea is part of postural drainage. This step is crucial but should be done after assessing the patient’s lung fields to determine the areas that need drainage.

Choice C rationale:

Providing mouth care is important for overall hygiene and to prevent infection, especially in patients with respiratory conditions. However, it is not directly related to the immediate assessment and intervention for chest physiotherapy.

Choice D rationale:

Auscultating lung fields is the first step because it allows the nurse to assess the patient’s respiratory status and identify areas with abnormal breath sounds, which will guide the subsequent interventions like chest percussion, vibration, and postural drainage. This assessment ensures that the interventions are targeted and effective.

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A nurse is caring for a patient after a radical neck dissection.What should be the nurse’s priority in the immediate postoperative period?

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A nurse is caring for a patient after a radical neck dissection.
What should be the nurse’s priority in the immediate postoperative period?